By Courtney Snyder, MD
Protecting Our Brain Early Starting With Understanding the Role of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Insulin Resistance, a Potential Microbial Presence & APOe4 Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the gradual death of brain cells, leading to the loss of brain tissue. The changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia can start up to 20 years before symptoms appear. This is crucial because emerging research and clinical experience in functional medicine suggest that many of the contributing factors can be influenced before symptoms progress. In this newsletter and podcast episode, I’ll explore:
In the next episode, I’ll delve into mainstream treatments and explore functional, integrative, and holistic approaches that target blood sugar regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and even mold and candida as potential contributors. Mentioned Resources: Other Related Newsletters: Medical Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
0 Comments
In this video and podcast episode, I dive into pyrrole disorder, a common nutrient imbalance linked to various brain-related conditions affecting both adults and children. Elevated levels of Hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL) in the urine, often referred to as “pyrroles,” have been connected to conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, learning disorders, substance use disorders, and even violent behavior.
In this discussion, I cover:
This episode is essential for understanding the role pyrrole disorder plays in mental health and how addressing it can lead to significant improvements in well-being. Related Resources
To receive these posts in your mail box each week, you can subscribe right here....
Medical Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Since I covered candida in a previous podcast episode, this newsletter will focus on the factors that can make overcoming candida overgrowth challenging. But first, for those less familiar, here's a quick introduction: Candida is the most common fungus in the microbiome, and several factors, such as antibiotic use, can trigger its overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, carbohydrate cravings, and gastrointestinal issues, especially constipation. Children with candida overgrowth are often diagnosed with ADD.
Assessment can be done through blood, urine, or stool testing; I prefer urine organic acid testing, which measures yeast metabolites. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications or herbal remedies and a low-carbohydrate diet, as candida thrives on sugar and carbs. While dietary changes and antifungal medications are sufficient for some, candida can remain a persistent challenge for many.
I wasn’t aiming for a list of 10 this time, but somehow, it still turned into one… 
The many underlying and overlapping factors are considered in functional medicine.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
The Benefits, Risks, and How to Improve Functional Medicine. What is Functional Medicine? Functional Medicine is an integrative, biology-based approach that promotes healing and wellness by focusing on the biochemically unique aspects of each patient, utilizing individually tailored interventions to restore balance. This approach seeks to understand the fundamental physiological processes, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions that affect health and disease, addressing the root causes. In Functional Medicine Psychiatry, these interventions aim to promote healing and wellness for individuals experiencing brain-related symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, brain fog, hyperactivity, cognitive impairment, social communication deficits, and psychosis.
In this Newsletter, I’ll explore:
By Courtney Snyder, MD
If you’re like I was, you might feel both drawn to and resistant to starting a meditation practice. My many attempts to begin and then stop were less about meditation itself and more about not prioritizing self-care. For many of us, learning to sit still in silence—and often in solitude—can be challenging. Our minds may chatter nonstop about things we’d rather not confront: the to-do lists, worries, ruminations, irritations, regrets, "should haves" and "shouldn't haves," "what ifs," things we said or did, things others said or did, judgments, and even judgments about those judgments. Our attachment to how we believe things should be is a significant part of our suffering.
All forms of meditation aim to guide our minds (and bodies) away from day-to-day thoughts and into the present moment. Since the sights and sounds around us often distract our minds, most meditation practices involve removing these stimuli by sitting in a quiet place with our eyes closed.
Even in a quiet setting, the mind will wander, especially in the beginning. This is why many meditation practices encourage us to focus on something—like our breath, a phrase, or an image. The goal is to gently bring our attention back to this anchor whenever we notice the mind drifting. If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, don’t let the variety of options make you think there is a "best" or "right" way to meditate. The best meditation practice is the one that makes you think, “Okay, I could see myself doing that.” The right way is simply to begin. The common thread in all meditation practices is learning to be present. To do this, we use something to anchor us in the moment. What differentiates various types of meditation is simply the anchor that is chosen. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
I look forward to the day when reducing exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) becomes as standard as other basic health practices, such as getting enough sleep and exercise, managing stress, and limiting or avoiding sugar. In the meantime, I hope to convince you in this newsletter why reducing EMF exposure is a smart choice for your improving and maintaining your health. I’ll cover:
As you’ll see, these vulnerabilities often overlap with those associated with brain conditions and chronic complex illnesses.
When I refer to “EMF,” I’m focusing on the more concerning types: radio frequencies, magnetic and electric fields, and dirty electricity. For simplicity, I’ll discuss these collectively, though much of the latest research emphasizes radio frequencies (such as those from cell phones, WiFi, and SMART or wireless technology). 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Typically, with two-part newsletters, I first explain how a "root" cause contributes to brain symptoms and then, in the follow-up, discuss actionable steps. However, because the topic of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) can be anxiety-provoking for some, and there is already a lot of alarming content in functional medicine, I decided to begin with practical ways to assess and reduce EMF exposure. In the next newsletter, I'll dive into the research on how EMF impacts the brain and other parts of the body, the factors that increase susceptibility to EMF hypersensitivity, and strategies to lower that susceptibility.
EMF exists on a spectrum that includes ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, infrared, and more. In this newsletter, I am focusing on:
Most of the interventions I’ll cover are related to radio frequencies (RF), which are increasingly prevalent and considered the most harmful. 
A tree that I fell in love on my morning walks while we lived in Florida.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
10 Ideas for Increasing Mental Clarity, Energy, and a Sense of Calm. In the last newsletter, we explored how our hormonal stress response can activate mast cells and microglial cells and disrupt neuronal communication leading to symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and in some cases, hallucinations. We live in an increasingly inflammatory world—with more toxins, disruptions to the microbiome, and societal pressures from marketing and media. At the same time, factors that naturally lower stress and reduce inflammation—such as human connection, silence, solitude, and time in nature—are becoming scarce.
The good news is that we have choices. Supporting brain health and overall well-being is about returning to the basics of our humanity—the practices we naturally crave and that help restore balance. In this newsletter, we’ll focus on how to reconnect with these essentials to reduce stress and inflammation for better mental health.
cut paper, ink - Courtney Snyder
By Courtney Snyder, MD
While rarely discussed in psychiatry, our ability to accept the inevitable uncertainty of life is crucial to our overall well-being. In this newsletter, I will explore:
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Whether it's an older child with frequent tantrums or an adult who easily loses their temper, I view angry outbursts as a symptom pointing to deeper root causes. While external triggers may play a role, an individual’s inability to regulate emotions often indicates an underlying biochemical or inflammatory issue. In this newsletter, I'll explore:
The sun making an “i” with the lake during my afternoon walk.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
How Viewing Schizophrenia as a Single Condition Limits the Development and Recognition of Effective Treatments. “If things are not so good, you maybe want to imagine something better." John Forbes Nash, Jr. Many know John Nash, Jr. as the brilliant mathematician portrayed by Russell Crowe in the movie "A Beautiful Mind." While the film doesn’t stay true to Nash’s real story, it does effectively depict his descent into psychosis and severe chronic mental illness.
Schizophrenia affects 1 in 300 people, or about 24 million people worldwide (2.6 million in the U.S.), and remains the most treatment-resistant psychiatric condition.
In this newsletter, using Nash's story as a reference, I will discuss:
Most people with schizophrenia are not brilliant mathematicians or Nobel Laureates; many are homeless. I reference Nash's story because it is widely known and because he likely had the most common form of schizophrenia--undermethylation (shared by 70% of those with this condition). Here are my 10 insights on schizophrenia.
The Shakers' philosophy revolved around three concepts: Honesty. Functionality. Simplicity. I took these photos at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, here in Kentucky.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
“Our lives are frittered away by detail…Simplify. Simplify.” - Henry David Thoreau. This quote, with its sense of urgency, serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality. It is one of my favorite quotes because it also brings a sense of comfort, a sigh of relief, and the permission to prioritize what truly matters in life.
There are many ways to simplify our lives, and one effective approach is by reassessing the items in our spaces. In this post, I'll explore how making changes to our external environment can lead to internal transformations, particularly when we feel lost, stressed, anxious, down, or stuck. A "space" could be anything—a drawer, the top of our desk, our car, our closet, or even a box we've stored away. This isn't about minimalism or neatness; it's about shifting from a left-brain mindset driven by accumulation and consumption to a right-brain perspective focused on the bigger picture of our lives.
Having pondered this topic for the past 15 years, I'm sharing 10 insights from both past and present. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Meet the cluster of genes that may be at root of many psychiatric conditions and complex chronic illness, MCAS, EDS, POTS, CIRS & CFS. Meet the RCCX gene cluster — a group of genes that may lie at the root of many psychiatric conditions and complex chronic illnesses, including mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Hypermobility, characterized by joints that bend beyond the normal range, is surprisingly common among individuals with brain-related symptoms. Using RCCX theory, I will explore why this connection exists.
Although this topic is complex, it is worth understanding. While hypermobility can be a red flag for an RCCX vulnerability, this theory can provide insights into brain symptoms, whether or not you are hypermobile.
I won’t revisit my personal health journey here — which I detailed in the 2017 blog post, "Hypermobility, RCCX Theory, and One Journey From Illness Towards Wholeness." However, if you've followed my writing, you know that I have been affected by many factors: undermethylation with a seemingly slow MAOA gene, copper overload, mast cell activation, candida overgrowth, mold toxicity, hypermobility with upper cervical instability, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. My health history is actually not unique. Many people suffer from what we refer to as chronic complex illness. Someone who has significantly impacted my understanding is Dr. Sharon Meglathery, M.D., a psychiatrist and internist with a health history similar to mine. We first connected in 2017, and her RCCX theory offers a compelling explanation for both chronic complex illnesses and psychiatric conditions in many individuals, regardless of hypermobility. RCCX theory is particularly useful in understanding how a person who was previously healthy can develop a range of health issues, including brain symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic, mood swings, and psychosis, following severe stressors or toxic exposures. 
“Worthy to Receive” - #2 (Cut paper and ink on dining room table)
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Roots, Common Traits, and Healing from Hidden Sources of Chronic Stress. Even if you don’t personally identify with one of the labels in the title, you likely know someone who does. These tendencies are particularly common among those of us in caring professions. However, like all labels, they don't define us completely. People who share these patterns are not identical, nor do they struggle to the same degree. Still, this psychological construct has been repeatedly recognized in mental health circles. Due to its prevalence, it isn't classified as a specific condition or personality disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Yet, this way of engaging with the world can be both painful and stressful, often limiting our ability to fully enjoy life. 
I like to think of the heron as my spirit animal. I love their patience, their stillness and their quiet confidence embodied by their beautifully aligned neck. Though this one paid me a visit in Florida, I’m always especially happy to see them here in Kentucky.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
The Impact of the Atlas, Flexibility, Neck Injury, Posture, Upper Cervical Instability, and the Vagus Nerve on Brain Symptoms. In today's digital age, with the constant use of cell phones and laptops, we frequently look down, increasing the risk of neck-related problems. A past neck injury or a natural tendency toward flexibility can make us even more susceptible. Flexibility is particularly common among individuals with brain-related or psychiatric conditions, a topic I’ll cover in detail in an upcoming newsletter. For now, it’s important to understand that misalignment in the upper part of the spine, specifically the atlas (the top cervical vertebra), is often an overlooked factor for those experiencing brain symptoms, chronic complex illnesses, or unexplained health issues. The vagus which runs through our neck is involved in all of our body systems and is what puts us into rest and digest. If it is impacted by cervical issues, we can more easily be in a state of fight-flight and shut down (as opposed to rest, digest and connect).
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Although both brain hemispheres are always working together in complex ways, certain attributes are more strongly associated with each side. We engage our left brain when we focus on details—like reaching for a berry. The right brain, on the other hand, scans the bigger picture, helping us spot those berries, notice the nuts nearby, and detect potential dangers in the distance. This distinction matters because many of us can get stuck grasping for berries—whether through addictions, obsessions, or focusing too much on details. We forget to "look up" and see the broader view. Conversely, some get lost in the big picture—overwhelmed by endless possibilities or potential threats—while neglecting the details needed to move forward.
What I love about the left brain vs. right brain model is that it helps us recognize when we need to call on the other half of our brain. Like muscles, if we don't exercise large groups of neurons, they won't be available when we need them. But just like muscles, we can strengthen the neural networks we've been neglecting. Understanding the traits of the left and right brain can highlight where our weaknesses lie.
Each week, I aim to alternate between left and right brain topics to balance things for both my mind and yours. Today, I thought it would be helpful to offer a refresher (or introduction) to this model. Much of what I discuss comes from the insightful book “The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World” by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a Scottish psychiatrist. It’s a valuable resource for understanding how our brain’s hemispheres shape our experience and behavior. 
One of the copper sunrises here this week - from my window.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
This comment was in response to my 2015 blog post, "Copper Overload: Too Much of a Good Thing”: “I am a primary care physician in Dublin and I attended the Dr Walsh course in Sydney in 2006. I learned a great deal there and I use his work almost every day. High copper in women is very common in Ireland and it is quite easy to bring it down after the first month of treatment. I have been to courses all over the world from Harvard to Cambridge but the course in Australia was the most useful of them all. Every week I utterly change the life of some people and it is a real privilege to have that opportunity.” He effectively articulates what many of us Walsh-trained physicians experience.
Recap
In the previous newsletter, I explored copper overload, its causes, symptoms, and the situations where I suspect high copper levels. These include postpartum depression, ADHD, panic, anger, rage, agitation, hormonally related mood changes or anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
10 Situations to Consider Copper...Tantrums/Rage, ADHD, Postpartum Depression, Panic & More I'm always eager to share insights on high copper levels, both from what I’ve learned from Dr. William Walsh, PhD, and from my own clinical experience. Copper overload is a common contributor to brain-related symptoms. It's relatively easy to treat, and addressing it can significantly improve a person's quality of life, as well as the lives of those around them. I've previously discussed copper overload in a blog post and podcast episode, this newsletter will focus on the conditions or situations where I often suspect high copper levels. Since copper overload rarely occurs in isolation, I’ll also explore how it interacts with other underlying root causes, such as low zinc, pyrrole disorder, and even mold toxicity. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Mold toxicity is a surprisingly common and significant factor in brain-related symptoms. While you won’t find it frequently mentioned in research on psychiatric conditions, those of us who treat mold toxicity recognize it as a very common cause of these issues: 
Mold toxicity is not the only cause, but it often triggers or interacts with other underlying factors, making it the "root of the roots.
“Seemingly 25% of people are unable to make antibodies to mold toxins. Add to that the 50%* of buildings that have water damage, and you have a lot of people who are unknowingly becoming toxic while spending time in affected homes, schools, workplaces, cars, dorms, and nurseries.” (from my 2019 blog post)
Mold-literate doctors now estimate that around 75% of buildings have some form of water damage, though many inspectors believe it could be closer to 100%.
Mold toxins can affect the brain in numerous and often profound ways. Given its prevalence and the substantial improvement in symptoms we typically see with treatment, I recommend testing for mold toxicity in most (but not all) of the individuals I treat. 
Common symptoms and traits associated with undermethylation. Having all of these is not necessary.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Approximately 70% of individuals with a mental health condition have a methylation imbalance, with the majority being undermethylated rather than overmethylated.
For those unfamiliar with methylation, it is a crucial biochemical process in which a methyl group is added to specific molecules. This process significantly affects gene expression, detoxification capabilities, and susceptibility to inflammation. When methylation is out of balance, it can contribute to a range of chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and various psychiatric conditions.
Undermethylation is particularly prevalent among those with mental health conditions. Here's a breakdown of the incidence of undermethylation in different groups:
Undermethylation is the most common biochemical imbalance found in individuals with depression, highlighting its significance in mental health.
Additional Resources
Nutrient Power - Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain by William Walsh, PhD Walsh Research Institute - Walsh trained practioners Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry Epigenetics, Methylation, MTHFR & the Brain, Made Easy...er Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World |
Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
All
Archives
October 2024
|
RSS Feed